Sensors & Switches

-UNDER CONSTRUCTION-

Because of the high usage of sensors in today’s manufacturing and how they have facilitated and improved our production processes, a dedicated page is under development to specify the categories within sensors and switches. We are currently still combining the available information. We would like to request your input in order to create this page. You can do this via this link. In case you are using specific sensors in your process, feel free to inform us if you have some pictures in order to support these lists by visual means.

1. Physical contact sensors

limit switch: used to control presence and position of parts

micro switch: used to count if there are any missing components

touch switch: used to control presence and position of parts

differential transformers: used to control presence and position of parts

toggle switch

timetrons: used for measurement confirmations. Often used in control fixtures.

pin-push button

panel-mounted roller push button

hinged lever

hinged lever-roller

hinged one-direction lever-roller

roller-leaf spring

liquid level relays

These sensors physically touch something. This something can be for example a component of a machine or the part being produced. They send an electronic signal when triggered by contact and can result in shutdown or warning.

Contact sensors differ from each other in characteristics like: motion before operation, motion after operation, force required and impact of vibration.

2. No physical contact sensors

proximity switch: use for presence and position checks by confirming distance of objects by differences in magnetic force. Proximity switches can only be used with materials that are magnetic.

photoelectric switch: this sensor is used for counting, labeling, thread break detection, etc.

a light source and receiver are placed opposite to each other. The object to be detected goes through the light beam.

the receiver is part of the light source and light will be reflected back to the receiver. This system is one-sided and easy to align. It is often used for color difference detection.

a reflector is positioned opposite to the light beam and reflects back the light. This is also one-sided and easy to align.

positioning sensors: used for presence and absence checking and positioning checking.

dimension sensors: used for confirming the size and dimensions of objects

displacement sensors: used for detecting cracks, loops, levels,…

metal passage sensors: used for counting metal in motion

color marking sensors:

double-feed sensors: detect two or more products fed at the same time

welding positions sensors: detect changes in metallic composition

tapping sensors: detects by inserting the sensor in a screw hole

These non-physical sensors do not physically touch the part or component. This can be applicable when the paint layer should not be damaged or when quick reply is needed. They work by means of energy to detect if an error has occurred. We differ reflection type and transmission type devices.

3. Additional detection measurement systems

Other systems are also available for detecting pressure, temperature, current, vibration, count and time.

Counter

Note: Multiple sources were used for summarizing the content on this page. You can find these sources on the following page: References.